In brief: Forums target city charter change

A political action committee working to defeat the proposed Spokane city charter amendment known as the Community Bill of Rights will host three public meetings this month, beginning Tuesday night.

Save Our Spokane’s town hall-style meetings will be led by elected officials and city leaders who oppose Proposition 4 on the November ballot.

The first meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Service Station, 9315 N. Nevada St. City Council members Al French and Bob Apple and council candidates Mike Fagan and Amber Waldref will lead the meeting.

The other meetings will be held Sept. 16 and Sept. 22. Their times and locations have not been announced.

The amendment seeks to give residents access to affordable preventive health care, renewable energy sources and affordable housing. It would give neighborhood councils the ability to veto development projects if 15 percent of local residents who voted in the prior city election asked for that action.

OxyContin robber hits South Hill store

A robber stole OxyContin from the Rite Aid store at 4514 S. Regal St. on the South Hill on Saturday night, the Spokane Police Department said.

Police said a white man disguised with a dark wig and fake facial hair entered the business shortly before 5:40 p.m. and presented a note demanding OxyContin. After receiving some of the drug, he fled the business and headed south toward 57th Avenue, Officer Mike McCasland said.

Surveillance cameras captured photos of the robber, but his disguise could make it more difficult to identify him, McCasland said. Witnesses said the robber was about 6 feet 2 inches tall and wore a white shirt, blue jeans and a white beanie-style winter hat over the dark wig.

Police set up a perimeter and used police dogs for tracking but couldn’t find the robber, McCasland said.

Labor Day affects offices, services

The following offices and services will be affected by the Labor Day holiday.

•City, county, state and federal offices will be closed.

•Post offices will be closed.

•State liquor stores will be closed in Idaho, but most will be open in Washington.

•Most banks will be closed.

•Area public schools will be closed.

•Garbage pickup will be one day late for the week.

•Riverfront Park attractions are open, as are Spokane pools and splash pads. Terrace View Pool in Spokane Valley will be open.